How To Become An IT Technician
If you have always been passionate about computers and find satisfaction in being able to diagnose computer problems and repair them, then you can consider a career as an IT technician. In this profession, you will get the chance to install, test and maintain computer systems. You will also teach clients the skills they need to be able to use these pieces equipment correctly.
Strong technical skills are obviously a must in this position. In addition you should have strong problem solving skills so that you can immediately pinpoint a problem and identify solutions. You should also have excellent customer service skills as not everyone is as adept as you are in using computers. You should also have good listening and speaking skills so that you will know what a client’s problem is and can put across the solution you have in clear and understandable terms.
Why Become An IT Technician
Becoming an IT technician, also called a computer support specialist, is not a job for everybody. However, it’s career for those who want their work environment to be surrounded by computers and its related devices. A career as an IT technician also provides opportunities for advancement for the driven and qualified individual. It is often just a jumping board for more complicated positions like that of software developers and network and computer systems administrators. IT technicians are paid relatively well and as the world continues to rely on computers, the job opportunities for this career are sure to continue.
IT Technician Work Environment
IT technicians are employed by companies operating in the computer systems design, education, healthcare and telecommunications industries. Although they work a fulltime schedule, these may not necessarily be a day job from 9 to 5 but can take place in the evenings. Overtime and weekend work is relatively common in this position. If necessary, a technician may travel to the home or office of a client to help solve the problem.
IT Technician Salary
The May 2013 Occupational Employment and Wages report of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that the mean annual wage of computer support specialists is $53,660. Computer user support specialists got $50,450 while computer network support specialists were paid much higher at $64,160.
IT Technician Career Outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected that the growth of computer support specialists is 17 percent in the ten-year period covering 2012 to 2022. This is much faster than the average rate for all other job types. The demand will stem from the need of many organizations to upgrade their equipment. The healthcare industry will also hire many IT technicians. Those with strong technical backgrounds and possess a bachelor’s degree will have an edge.
IT Technician Degree
To gain entry into this profession, IT technicians need to have computer knowledge which can be obtained from computer classes, an associate degree program or a bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering or information science. Training is usually provided on the job, with IT technicians often left to handle simple issues on their own. As they grow more accustomed to the task and learn more about the equipment, they are required to respond to more complicated problems. Computer support technicians can move up the career ladder to become software developers and network and computer systems administrators.
